GPS and RFID Package Tracking

It was not that many years ago that package tracking was almost totally guesswork. If you ordered something that needed to be shipped to you it might arrive in 3 days or 3 weeks and where the package was in between the shipper and you was a complete mystery. All of that is changing not only because of GPS tracking but also because of radio frequency identification (RFID).

GPS is a wonderful technology that is revolutionizing many areas of our lives; but it is simply too expensive to put a GPS receiver on every box, package or envelope that is shipped. But it really isn't necessary to GPS track every package. Inevitably packages are in a building, or a truck, so all you need to know is which truck or building has your package and where the building or truck is. Buildings obviously don't move so you don't need to GPS track the packages in a building you simply need to know constantly exactly what packages are in the building.

Shipping and delivery trucks, of course, are a different matter. Trucks must be GPS tracked in order to track the packages in them. Very soon every new delivery truck that hits the roads will have a fully integrated GPS tracking system. Older trucks will end up being updated with GPS, sooner rather than later, or the trucks will be likely retired completely. GPS in shipping trucks is used primarily to let the shipper and shipping company know where the packages are. The GPS can also be used for navigation, but most truckers already know their territory and don't need GPS navigation. The big push for GPS-equipped delivery trucks is for tracking packages.

So the only thing left to make the system work is to electronically tag each package. In the state of the art system of the near future packages will be identified by RFID. It will not be long before a RFID electronic tag will be attached to almost all packages shipped everywhere. Unlike current bar coding systems, RFID electronic tags do not require a visual scan and can carry significantly more information. Bar coding is almost everywhere these days, but it requires a close and accurate visual scan by a bar code reader. It is simply too slow and often inaccurate. RFID tags on the other hand require only that the package be within radio frequency range of the RFID receiver or RFID interrogator. The days of running a package under a visual scanner by hand are almost over.

Even today most shipping companies have prototype shipping and delivery trucks with fully integrated RFID interrogators, RFID antennas, GPS tracking and a cellular computer network to tie it all together. Factories, shipping and mail centers are also starting to use RFID throughout their facilities so they know exactly what packages are in their facilities. So the package-tracking circle will soon be complete. The package sends, or is induced to send, out a radio frequency signal, the RFID interrogator inside the back of the truck or in the building picks up the signal, the computer network on the truck or in the building sends out a cellular message letting the shippers computer know what is where and finally the GPS system tells the shipper where the truck is if the package is currently on a truck.

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to GPS

The Evolution of GPS Tracking Device Technology

As GPS technology has become more main stream and accessible to consumers, the variety of GPS enable devices has also increased at an incredible rate. Most of us know someone with GPS in their car or we own a unit ourselves. As the technology gets more advanced even smaller and more versatile, handheld portable GPS devices are becoming increasingly popular. Portable GPS systems for serious use GPS technology is being used more and more each day for business matters and emergency use. Many of us already own GPS enabled cell phones. Emergency 911 operators can now pinpoint the caller in distress by locating their GPS cell phone. GPS cell phones report their location at all times they are turned on. For businesses, PDA's can be used by delivery, sales and repair personnel to find their way and also have their positions tracked by the head office. There is time saving software which will plan the route for a delivery run based on the location of their drop-off points for the day. Surveyors use specialized GPS equipment to plan roads, and map out fields. Locating and re-locating survey markers and boundaries is also made much easier with GPS. Laptop computers can easily be turned into PDA receivers or trackers with the addition of USB plug in devices and software. The possible uses really are limitless. Using your portable GPS for fun The accessibility of this million dollar technology to the general population has of course, opened up new recreational uses. As well as tracking your own location, you can use GPS to track other people's and or objects locations. Geocaching is a type of hi-tech treasure hunt. A small item with a GPS transmitter is hidden, and then hunters with GPS devices compete to find it. GPS enabled watches, cameras, pet collars all provide interesting applications to this technology. The cameras can imprint a precise geographical location on photos taken so you can re-locate that position easily. For pets who stray, what easier way than logging into a website to locate them. Some of these pet collars can even send messages to cell phones with Fido's location. If you are attending a large event and are separated from the main group, you could use GPS to hone in on a GPS watch signal to find them. These are just a few instances of GPS technology and what it can do for you. The possibilities really are endless. Wherever it leads us, we will be able to track it!

GPS Tracking Devices offer Security and Confidence for the Weary Traveler. Discover more Reliable Tips on Buying a GPS at http://www.gpstrackingdevice.net/

How Vehicle Tracking Technology Has Changed

Fleet tracking technology has been around for decades, but only recently has it become practical and affordable for even the smallest fleet operators. From the earliest systems of two-way radios to sophisticated GPS and computer tracking of today, vehicle tracking technology has evolved and improved tremendously.

Early systems
The earliest vehicle tracking systems started with the advent of two way radios. With a radio in each vehicle and a base station, fleet operators could talk to their drivers and map their progress through each day?s route. Changes and emergent calls could be sent out to the field more easily, making operations more efficient.

The downside, of course, is that radio communications had limitations in distance, accuracy, and the ability to connect with drivers going in and out of their vehicle. The information received at the base station was only as good as what the drivers provided, and for fleets of any significant size, tracking and mapping progress manually was a challenge.

The dawn of GPS
When GPS tracking became widely available, it transformed the vehicle tracking landscape. Fleet operators could now locate each vehicle electronically and track it via computer, making it easier to keep track of large numbers of vehicles and verify the information provided by drivers. Of course the early systems were tremendously expensive, making them far out of reach economically for all but the largest fleets.

As GPS units became smaller and cheaper, and computer tracking capabilities became more advanced and less expensive, the modern fleet tracking systems took shape. Each vehicle carried a tracking unit that was monitored and information communicated back to the central base station, while the base station expanded in size and complexity to handle the large amounts of information coming in.

Companies that use this type of fleet tracking have to invest significant amounts of capital in the vehicle units as well as the infrastructure for a central base station to monitor and dispatch the fleet. There are expensive monthly subscription fees as well.

A new innovation
A recent innovation in the vehicle tracking industry is transforming the efficiency and affordability of fleet tracking systems. This new system uses a small tracking unit in the vehicle and a web-based interface that is accessed via a regular mobile telephone. There is no investment required in expensive central infrastructure and fleet managers can monitor the system from anywhere for no monthly subscription fee. This allows supervisors and managers to spend more time in the field and less time in the office.

The affordability of this new technology makes it practical for even the smallest fleets. This in turn brings the benefits of vehicle tracking ? less driver downtime, more efficient routing, etc. ? to operators of all sizes and compositions.

The future of vehicle tracking
Of course nobody can predict the future with 100% accuracy, but most industry experts agree that the new wave of technology is leading vehicle tracking into a new era of convenience and affordability. For the first time ever, small and medium fleets can afford to adopt vehicle tracking and enjoy the many benefits that come along with greater efficiency.

Richard Harris is a vehicle telecommunications expert who has developed an innovative vehicle tracking system. He advises on vehicle tracking, and a range of information can be found at http://www.autoalert.me.uk/news_toc.jsp

Vehicle Safety - Following Simple Vehicle Safety Tips Can Reduce Auto Accidents and Injuries

Child Car Seat Safety:

We know you love your children, but so many people do not follow these simple car seat safety principles. By following these easy steps you can ensure your child is completely safe in your car. Just to get one thing straight, there is no one best child car safety seat. The best car safety seat is determined by various factors that you as the parent need to take into consideration. The seat needs to fit your child’s height and weight, as well as be able to fit properly in your car.

Another common misconception is price. More expensive, does not always mean better quality or the seat is better safety wise.

The first step of proper car seat safety is of course determined by the age of your child. Any child that is under the age of twelve should be kept in the back seat of a vehicle. This is especially true if your car has passenger side air bags.

Infants should be in a rear facing car seat until they are at least one year old and twenty pounds. After they are twenty pounds they can be placed in a front facing car safety seat until they are around forty pounds or they have reached the maximum height recommended for the specific car safety seat in question.

Once a child reaches forty pounds, they should be placed on a belt positioning booster seat. The vehicle’s normal seat belt should not be used until they are around eighty pounds or 4ft 9 inches tall.

As always read your car’s owners manual as well and any manuals with the car safety seat.

Additional Car Safety Tips:

Most accidents that occur over a parent/child incident occur when a parent is trying to turn around and discipline their child. Think about it, you are taking you eyes as well as you mind off of the primary task at hand (driving) and exclusively focusing on your child who should be, and usually is behind you in the back seat of the vehicle.

To prevent this the best thing to do if you must discipline your child is to find a place to pull over and do so then, when you are not moving.

Child Safety is our primary concern, check out these FREE child safety related resources at Child Safety Booster Seats

Global Positioning System (GPS) Internet Vehicle Tracking Can Save

Two out of five deaths among U.S. teens are the result of a motor vehicle crash. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2004) Traffic crashes are the leading cause of death for teenagers who drive. Drivers between the age of 16 and 24 are twenty times more likely to find themselves in a car accident than any other age group. (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)

Teenage drivers are at a higher risk for being in a car crash because:
 

Lack of driving experience – The first few years of driving are the most dangerous; don’t let inexperience behind the wheel harm your child.
 

A tendency to take risks while driving – Teens are more likely to be influenced by peer pressure and distractions. This can lead to reckless driving and speeding.
 

Feeling of invincibility – Teens believe they’re going to live forever and that influences their behavior behind the wheel of their 3,000 pound car.
These 3 things combined are a deadly combination.
 

But Millennium Plus GPS is a tool that allows parents to monitor and protect their teenage drivers.

When parents urge their teen to be careful driving, they reply “yeah, yeah, yeah.” Then once they turn the corner with the car, you just keep your fingers crossed and wonder, how does my teenager “really” drive? Well, now you’ll know for sure! If they speed or do something with the car you don’t approve of, you’ll know.

“The bottom line is that your teenager’s life and safety is priceless. Leave Nothing to Chance!! Know everything about your teen’s driving! Better safe than sorry. Your teenager doesn’t have the wisdom of an adult yet. That’s why they need your close supervision and attention. You can record the whereabouts of your teen’s car including location and speed plus many other features with a Millennium Plus GPS system. Millennium Plus GPS will help you do your job of being a parent to keep your teen driver safe and injury-free. Peace of Mind is now affordable”. Lillie Davis - http://www.falcongpstracking.com